Hi everyone, I was hoping I could get some input from people who are going through the admissions process or have already.
I have played field hockey for the 3 years (freshman through junior year). I’ll be a senior this upcoming year, and the season is approach. I don’t really like field hockey or my coach very much, and my coach doesn’t play me as much as I want (since I made varsity sophomore year). I haven’t had an incredible amount of success, I didn’t score once last season.
Although I was given the coaches award last season.
So, my question is do colleges like to see that you’ve played the same sport all four years, even if you aren’t an MVP or recruit worthy? Or would it make no difference if I quit?
Would I be better of running Cross Country (I’m a very good runner and could potential be much more successful).
Please let me know what you think if you are knowledgeable on the subject!
Thanks!
I cant give you much advice on admissons cuz im a rising senior as well. However, i was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I did track as a freshman and sophomore and was very successful in it, but when junior year came around my heart just wasnt in it anymore. I decided to quit, and it made me so much happier, even though i was letting go potentially qualifiying for states. I also run cross country and have been since 7th grade so that gave me an extra sport to fall back on. If feild hockey is your only sport, i still dont think you have much to worry about. Put it on the common app that you played for three years, it still shows depth.
If you dont like it anymore, why continue? Would you rather be spending the entire summer training with a team you dont like, and will recieve no accomplishments out of it, or would you rather join a new team where you could potentially be much more successful and make a ton of new friends? The main battle i had with track was whether or not quitting would look bad on my application, but at the end of the day i decided not to care. You have to do what makes you happy, and if that means joining a new sport, then do it!
Also, as a cross country runner myself, i may be a little bit biased when i say that cross country is the best sport ever! Admittedly, its a little difficult to get started if youre not used to running long distance, but once your body adjusts, it truly is a very rewarding sport! Not to mention runners are probably the nicest people ever and will always support other runners even if theyre on separate teams. Good luck with your decision!
@microssrunner17 Thanks for the thoughtful reply! You’re right, it’s really not worth it to play a sport that I don’t even enjoy. Good luck with your senior year!
My oldest was an 4 year varsity athlete in two sports. If, after 11th grade, she had said she was dropping I’d been ok with it. Unless you’re being recruited, your sports is equal to someone else working a job or another time consuming EC.
(funny thing though: my kid stuck it out and now is at a D2 school in the same sport, loving it and performing at the highest levels!)
I don’t think that switching to Cross Country would hurt…you are looking for a sport where you can contribute more.
Make sure to run over the summer to prepare! (and talk to the CC coach now and see what is expected to do to prepare)